ALLCONNEX FOCUS TO PROTECT JOBS

Written on the 24 August 2011

WATER retailer Allconnex says its prime concern is protecting its 800-strong workforce following the decision yesterday by Logan City Council to join the Gold Coast and Redlands and regain control of its water.

The decision follows the Gold Coast City Council’s and Redland City Council’s divorce from Allconnex last month, following public backlash. Logan Council says it was a cost decision to lower operational expenses.

An Allconnex spokesperson says its staff has been through an ‘unsettling time’.

“A priority for Allconnex Water is its employees, totalling more than 800 who have been through an unsettling time,” says the spokesperson.

“Allconnex employees employed on awards, enterprise agreements and common law contracts are covered by the protections contained in the SEQ Distribution and Retail Water Reform Workforce Framework 2009, which is currently in place until 30 June 2013.”

All three councils will now determine the cost of the contractual dispute to be borne by Gold Coast City Council. An Allconnex Water transition project team has been established to manage the process of moving water and wastewater services back to councils.

Allconnex says it was not surprised by the decision by Logan to jump ship.

“We respect the decision of Logan City Council to take back control of water and wastewater services. With the Gold Coast and Redland City Councils already opting out, Logan was effectively left on its own, so this decision is not surprising,” says the spokesperson.

“Allconnex Water will continue to deliver high-quality water and wastewater services to customers in Gold Coast, Logan and Redland for as long as required.”

The State Government still controls bulk water charges, which are passed onto rate payers.